Damage toMiconia calvescensand Seasonal Abundance ofSalbia lotanalis(Lepidoptera: Crambidae) in Costa Rica

• DOI: 10.1603/en12345
• Publication Date: 2014-07-30T22:54:18Z
• Authors: Francisco R. Bade...; Alexander Castillo; M. Tracy Johnson
• Keywords: Crambidae; Melastomataceae

Miconia calvescens de Candolle (Melastomataceae) is an invasive tree considered the most serious threat to natural ecosystems of Hawaii and other Pacific islands. The success M. as species greatly owing its shade tolerance shaded habitat it creates, where many native plant that are light-demanding cannot survive. Salbia lotanalis Druce (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), a neotropical leaf roller attacking calvescens, was evaluated for two mechanisms by which reduces area host plant: feeding (defoliation), removes tissue, tying rolls, exposed leaves. These impacts were quantified over 1-yr period at field site in Costa Rica, densities S. larvae peaked end rainy season declined dry season. Up 47.5% leaves attacked lotanalis, with cumulative defoliation undetermined number removing average ≍30% (253 cm2) each attacked. Defoliation rolling compared greenhouse experiment individual defoliated 3.7% (17.8 leaf, reduced result 12.8% (66.2 cm2). Our results complement findings previous studies confirm potential biological control agent calvescens.